Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s budget gets mohalla-wise

The AAP government on Sunday held its first ‘Janta ka Budget’ session with the public, seeking their suggestions as it moves to prepare its first budget for the Capital.

The AAP government on Sunday held its first ‘Janta ka Budget’ session with the public, seeking their suggestions as it moves to prepare its first budget for the Capital. The “participatory budget” exercises were held in West Vinod Nagar, Sanjay Jheel and pocket-F of Mayur Vihar Phase II that fall under the Patparganj constituency held by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.

“Till now budget has always been formulated behind closed doors where some government officials decide where the voters’ money should be used. You are the best judge to ascertain how and where your money should be used,” Sisodia said.

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was present for the first meeting, said, “We strongly believe that not only Delhi but the entire nation will see real democracy taking place in the Capital. We are fulfilling the promises that we had made during election campaigns.”

In West Vinod Nagar and Mayur Vihar Phase II, residents wanted the government to install CCTV cameras and increase parking facilities while in Sanjay Jheel people wanted sewer lines to be fixed and water pipelines to be laid down.

There was ample drama at the meetings with Sisodia saying that officials of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board would be suspended for failing to turn up for the discussion. In Mayur Vihar, senior citizens said the process was not participative as many residents didn’t turn up. In Sanjay Jheel, children used the opportunity to complain about teachers who didn’t show up for classes.